United Way of San Diego Announces New President & CEO

January 6, 2014 | Filed under: Adult Health,Carmel Valley,Child Health,Featured,Inspire | Posted by: The Carmel Valley Life

United Way of San Diego County’s board of directors announced the selection of Kevin Crawford as the new president and CEO for the 93-year-old nonprofit.

Crawford, who will begin leading the organization in early 2014, has served as fire chief for the Carlsbad Fire Department for the past 11 years, and is currently the interim city manager for the City of Carlsbad. Crawford has served on United Way’s board of directors for five years and most recently acted as its Education Vision Council chair, helping determine areas of focus and investment strategies. Actively involved in numerous community efforts, Crawford led a significant capital campaign for Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas.

“United Way’s President/CEO Search Committee conducted an extensive and comprehensive search across the U.S. for the best candidate to serve our community,” said Jon Vance, chair of the Board of Directors and search committee. “Kevin has a deep understanding of United Way’s role in the community and our strategic vision. He brings strong leadership and fundraising skills to the organization, making him the ideal candidate to propel us forward.”

“I’ve worked with Kevin for the past five years and have seen firsthand his dedication to United Way,” said retiring President and CEO Doug Sawyer. “I am confident that Kevin will continue the organization’s transformation and accelerate its success.”

Beginning his career as a paramedic for the Carlsbad Fire Department in 1983, Crawford advanced through the ranks to his current role as fire chief. He also spent two years as a firefighter for the Poway Fire Department. Regularly noted for his leadership, Crawford created strategic partnerships with 10 North County fire departments to increase disaster response capabilities, standardize systems, enhance communication and reduce operating expenses. As well, he has worked to consolidate the fire services in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County.

Crawford will ensure that United Way continues its unique ability to bring business, government, nonprofit organizations and communities together to solve complex problems for the long term. He will spearhead strategic planning and management, while furthering the organization’s goals in the areas of education, financial self-sufficiency, health and homelessness.

“This is an incredibly dynamic time in United Way’s history,” says Crawford. “My work as a board member and Vision Council chair for the past five years has prepared me to lead the organization down the path that Doug Sawyer started, leveraging community relationships to benefit the entire county in the years to come.”

Crawford is currently a board member of several other nonprofits, including LEAD San Diego, 211 San Diego, the Burn Institute, the Regional Communications System and Hospice North County. Last year, he published a leadership development book titled, “A Chief Reflects on Leadership.”

Receiving an associate of arts degree in liberal arts from Santa Ana College, Crawford went on to complete the fire protection administration program at San Diego State University and received his juris doctorate from Western Sierra Law School.

About United Way of San Diego County

United Way of San Diego County is part of a network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways around the world. Locally, United Way is creating sustainable change in the areas of education, income, health and homelessness. In addition to the Bright Futures financial self-sufficiency initiative, we are leading the effort to end chronic homelessness through Home Again, a public engagement campaign, and Project 25, which focuses on the most costly and vulnerable homeless individuals. United Way is a key partner in a number of Education initiativesthroughout the county. We harness the collective power of nonprofits, community leaders and thousands of individuals to create change by giving, advocating and volunteering. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to get involved. To learn more, visit http://www.uwsd.org, our Blog, Facebook and Twitter.

Sandy Young, Account Supervisor
J. Walcher Communications (JWC)
Strategic Engagement. Proven Results.